Prostate Cancer Treatment: Hospitals, Costs, and Global Care

What Is Prostate Cancer Treatment?

Prostate cancer treatment means using medical methods to stop or control cancer in the prostate gland. The prostate is a small gland found only in men. 

What is prostate? The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland located below the bladder. It plays a key role in producing the fluid that nourishes and carries sperm. As men get older, the prostate can enlarge or develop health issues, including prostate cancer.

Why does prostate cancer occur? Prostate cancer usually develops when genetic mutations cause prostate cells to grow uncontrollably. Factors such as age, family history, hormones, and lifestyle can influence its development.

Many people believe that prostate cancer always spreads quickly, but this is not true. In most cases, it grows slowly and may not require urgent treatment. Some also think that only older men can get prostate cancer. While it is more common in men over 50, younger men are sometimes affected too. 

Doctors may choose different treatment options depending on the stage of cancer and the patient’s health based on their condition. 

Prostate cancer does not always lead to death. With early diagnosis and proper care, many patients recover fully and go on to live healthy lives.

Why Do People Need Prostate Cancer Treatment?

People require prostate cancer treatment when cancer cells begin to grow in the prostate gland. Without treatment, the cancer can spread to other areas of the body, such as the bones or bladder. Timely treatment helps stop the cancer from progressing, eases pain, and increases the chances of a longer, healthier life.

For issues like an enlarged prostate, treatment for enlarged prostate is often necessary to relieve symptoms such as frequent urination or difficulty passing urine, thereby improving quality of life. Medications or minimally invasive procedures can effectively manage these symptoms.

Common Causes of Prostate Cancer

The risk of prostate cancer can be influenced by several factors:

• Ageing: The risk increases as men grow older, particularly after the age of 50.
• Family history: Having a father or brother with prostate cancer raises the likelihood of developing it.
• Hormone levels: Higher levels of male hormones, such as testosterone, can support cancer growth.
• Diet and lifestyle: A high-fat diet, obesity, and lack of physical activity may increase risk.
• Ethnicity: Certain ethnic groups, including South Asians, may have a higher risk.
• Smoking and alcohol: These habits can raise the chances of various cancers, including prostate cancer.
• Inflammation or infection: Long-term inflammation of the prostate may also contribute to the disease.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer often develops slowly. In its early stages, there may be no noticeable signs. As the cancer progresses, it can lead to clear symptoms. Recognising these signs can help people seek medical attention promptly.

Common Symptoms:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Weak or interrupted urine flow, with difficulty starting or stopping
• Blood in urine (reddish or pink)
• Pain or burning during urination or ejaculation
• A feeling that the bladder isn’t fully empty
• Pain in the pelvis, lower back, hips, or thighs

When Do These Symptoms Lead to Treatment?

Treatment is usually recommended when symptoms start affecting daily life or tests indicate that cancer is progressing. Doctors may suggest:

• Blood test: To detect prostate cancer or other prostate problems.
• Imaging and scans: To get a clear view of the prostate and identify abnormal areas.
• Prostate biopsy: Taking a small tissue sample from the prostate to check for cancer cells.
• Urine test: To detect genetic abnormalities associated with prostate issues.

Prevention of Prostate Cancer

Here are some practical tips to help reduce your risk of prostate cancer and the need for a remedy for prostate enlargement:

• Eat a healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and foods rich in antioxidants. Limiting processed foods and red meat may also lower the risk of developing prostate enlargement that might require a remedy.
• Exercise regularly: Staying active helps maintain a healthy weight and overall wellness, which can also help prevent prostate enlargement.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is linked to a higher risk of both aggressive prostate cancer and enlarged prostate. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce this risk.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol: These habits increase overall cancer risk and can worsen symptoms of prostate enlargement, increasing the need for a remedy.
• Know your family history: Men with close relatives who had prostate cancer or enlarged prostate should be more cautious and consider early screening.
• Go for regular check-ups: Men over 50, or over 45 with a family history, should discuss PSA screening and digital rectal exams with their doctor to detect early signs of prostate issues that may need treatment.

Following these tips may help reduce risk, but cannot guarantee the prevention of prostate cancer or prostate enlargement. Always consult a qualified doctor for personalised advice, screening, and treatment recommendations.

If a tumour is found and confirmed as cancer, treatment is usually started to stop it from growing or spreading. The sooner the cancer is detected, the better the outcome after treatment. In some cases, treatment is advised even without symptoms if the cancer is fast-growing or likely to spread. On the other hand, if the tumour is slow-growing and not causing problems, doctors may suggest regular monitoring instead of immediate treatment.

Early treatment gives the best results. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, myheco can connect you with trusted cancer specialists in leading hospitals in the world.

Success & Outcomes of Prostate Cancer Treatment

Understanding Success Rates

Survival outcomes for prostate cancer vary depending on the stage at diagnosis. Below is an overview of survival rates at different stages:

• Early-Stage (Localised or Regional) Prostate Cancer
  Around 92% of prostate cancers are diagnosed at an early stage. Nearly 100% of patients with early-stage prostate cancer survive 5 years or more after diagnosis.
• Advanced-Stage (Metastatic) Prostate Cancer
  About 7% of cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, where cancer has spread to distant areas such as bones, liver, or lungs. For these patients, survival rates are lower, with roughly one-third surviving 5 years after diagnosis.

Overall Survival by Time Since Diagnosis

• 5-year relative survival rate: ~100%
• 10-year relative survival rate: 98%
• 15-year relative survival rate: 95%

Success in prostate cancer treatment means that the cancer is either completely removed, controlled, or no longer progressing.

What Does Success Mean?

• PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) levels drop and stay low after treatment
• Scans show no signs of cancer spreading
• Side effects are minimal or manageable
• No cancer growth is observed over time

When prostate cancer is detected early, treatment can completely remove the disease. In other cases, therapy can prevent the cancer from spreading and keep it under control for many years. Even if a full cure isn’t possible, treatment can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Approach of Leading Cancer Hospitals 

Renowned hospitals focus on early detection, personalised treatment plans, and multidisciplinary care for prostate cancer patients. Their approach often includes:

• Advanced diagnostic tools such as PSA testing, MRI, CT scans, PET-CT, biopsy, and genetic/molecular testing to identify specific cancer types and risk factors.
• Minimally invasive and precision surgeries, including robotic-assisted prostatectomy, laparoscopic surgery, and nerve-sparing techniques.
• Targeted and precision therapies such as hormone therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, brachytherapy, and advanced radiation techniques like IMRT and proton therapy.
• Multidisciplinary Tumour Board reviews where urologists, oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists collaborate to develop personalised treatment plans for each patient.

This combination of modern technology, highly skilled specialists, and patient-focused care has led to improved outcomes and better quality of life for prostate cancer patients.

Expert Insights

Dr. Srinivas Chilukuri, Professor and Senior Consultant in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai, discusses the advancements in prostate cancer treatment with proton therapy. He notes that proton therapy provides excellent survival rates and is particularly beneficial for carefully selected patients. While it is commonly used for prostate cancer, not all patients are suitable candidates. Younger patients who want to avoid sexual side effects or those with high-risk prostate cancer are ideal for this treatment. Selection depends on the patient’s overall health, ability to travel, and commitment to regular follow-ups after therapy.

How myheco Supports International Patients

Myheco provides complete assistance for patients seeking advanced prostate cancer treatment worldwide. From connecting you with leading specialists to managing visas, travel, and cost planning, myheco ensures every step of your treatment journey is organised, transparent, and stress-free.

Medical Guidance for Prostate Cancer Treatment

• Connects international patients with top urologists and prostate cancer specialists in the world.
• Provides second opinions to help patients make informed treatment decisions

Travel Assistance for Prostate Cancer Care

• Issues medical visa invitation letters from accredited hospitals and guides patients and families through the application process
• Assists with flight bookings in line with surgery, hormone therapy, radiation, or other treatment schedules
• Offers complimentary airport pickup and smooth hospital transfers

Cost Transparency and Patient Support

• Shares clear cost estimates for surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy
• Ensures transparent pricing with no hidden charges
• Provides multilingual patient coordinators for seamless communication
• Supports patients from the first medical report review to post-treatment follow-up
• Has successfully assisted thousands of international patients in receiving world-class prostate cancer treatment.

Choosing myheco means expert care, faster access, and comprehensive support throughout your treatment journey.

Note: Myheco does not provide medical advice.

Patient Stories

Timely Diagnosis and Treatment Saved Mr. Ali from Prostate Cancer Complications

Mr. Ali from Bangladesh was initially misdiagnosed with bladder cancer in his home country, but he was actually suffering from prostate cancer. After visiting Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, he received the correct diagnosis and treatment from Dr. Sayan Paul, Radiation Oncologist. Timely intervention helped prevent further complications, and with proper care and advanced treatment, Mr. Ali began a steady recovery.

Step-by-Step: Your Journey to Treatment Across the Globe

✅ Share your medical reports
✅ Receive personalised treatment plans from leading hospitals
✅ Choose the option that suits you best
✅ Let us handle the arrangements